Soot cleaner



Jly 20, 1943. F. w. LINAKER' sooT CLEANER' Filed Jan. 17. -1940 7`SheetS-Sheet 1 l u mi UNH 160 July 20, 1943. F; w.' LINAKER 2,324,785 AsooT CLEANER Filed Jan. 17, 1940 '7 Shams-Sheet 2 July 20, `1943. F. w. LlNAKER A 324,785

sooT CLEANER Filed Jan. 17, 1940 7 'sheets-sheet s SEZ INVENTOR July 2o, 1943.

' Filed Jan. 17. 1940 F.I w. LINAKER 2,324,785

` sooT chuan-R ,Jay j INVENTOR Fmi UNH/ffl? ATTORNEY '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 1943. F. w. LlNAKr-:R

SOOT CLEANER Filed Jan. 17, 1940 July 20 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 14:0 Ilv l l I u l l l l l Mm. w

,1| -Lili i l F III n l1 July zo,r 1943.

F. w. LINAKER 5 SOOT CLEANER Filed Jan. 17, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 which the carriage which carries the cleaner elei ment, runs.

Fig. 13 is a detail view, showing the carriagef and some of its associated parts, partly in side elevation and partly in section.

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view on the line XIV-XIV, Fig. 9.

Fig. 15 is a detail view in side elevation of one of the stops and an associated part on the rotary head of the cleaner, by which the stepwise insertion of the cleaner element is controlled.

Fig. 16 is a detail view partly in side elevation and partly in section, of the valve for controlling the admission of steam to the cleaner element, and of certain associated parts through which the `opening and closing of the valve is automatically controlled.

Figs. 17 and 18 are respectively, a longitudinal section and a cross-section through a cleaner tube, and illustrating an improved construction thereof, according to the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional View of a cleaner tube embodying the improvement of the present J invention in another form of embodiment.

Fig. 20 illustrates a form of the soot blower in which the insertion and retraction is motor controlled.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, numeral I0 designates the cleaner element, I2 the carriage and I4 a rotatable head mounted on the carriage, and -attached to the outer or right-hand end of the cleaner element I0. The carriage I2 moves back and forth on a track I6 to insert the cleaner element into, and retract it from the space within the boiler or furnace containing the tubes or other parts to be cleaned by blowing the soot or other` matter which has deposited thereon from the furnace gases. The cleaner element Il] is provided with one or more nozzles for directing jets of steam on to the parts to be cleaned, one nozzle 2E) being here shown. One of the furnace walls has anv opening 22 therethrough, through which the cleaner element I0 is inserted into the space within the boiler or furnace, and through which it is also retracted. As here shown, instead of withstanding the cleaner element entirely from the boiler, the end of the cleaner element with its nozzle 20 may, in its retracted position, rest within the recess in' the furnace wall formed by th-e opening 22, as best shown Fig. 3. The soot blower is attached to the boiler or furnace adjacent the opening 22. The attachment may be made by a suitable means, as screws which pass through a supporting or wall plate 24 into the side wall of the furnace, or into a sleeve-casting 25 built int-o the furnace wall, where it is best shown in Fig. 1. The opening 22 is ordinarily made of larger diameter than the cleaner element I0, and the opening may be closed around the cleaner element by suitable means, as an annulus 21. However, means, as hanger rods'(not shown) attached to an loverhead beam or the ceiling may be provided for giving additional support to the soot blower.

Means for moving the carriage I2 to insert the cleaner element Il into and retract it from the space within the boiler is included. This means comprises a pulley over which passes an endless pull-chain or the like 32. The pulley 30 is attached to a shaft mounted in brackets 3E attached to or forming part of the wall plate 24. The shaft 35 has xed thereon a sprocket wheel 38 around which passes a sprocket chain 39. Near the outer end of the track I4 is mounted in a suitable manner, another sprocket wheel 40 around which the sprocket chain 39 also runs, so

that the chain 39 has a flight parallel to the track IG. For constructional purposes the sprocket chain 39 and the sprocket wheels 38 and 40 are duplicated, as most clearly shown in Fig. 2.

The carriage I2 is connected to the sprocket chain 39 through a pin or projection 42 on the sprocket chain and an arm 44 attached to the carriage having a slot 45 therein into or through which the pin 42 extends. The slot 45 provides a limited loss of motion between the chain and the carriage for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

Means are provided for rotating the rotat'able head i4 and the cleaner element I0 Xed thereto, by which the cleaner element I, when inserted into the space within the boiler, may be turned so that the jets which issue from the nozzle on the cleaner element may be caused to appropriately play on the parts to be cleaned. This means may comprise a pulley 50 having thereon a suitable pull-chain or the like 5|. The pulley 50 is fastened upon a shaft 53 held in suitable brackets 55 on the carriage I2. The shaft 53 has xed thereon a pinion 5l, which is advantageously a worm pinion which latter meshes with a gear 59 attached to the rotatable head I4.

Steam is supplied to the cleaner element I 0 :from a supply-pipe through a valve 62 and a gooseneck 65 having an extension 66 which extends within the cleaner element II) so as to telescope therewith, and remain lapped or telescoped with the element in its position of farthest insertion within the boiler. A steam-tight connection between the tube B and the rotatable head I4 is effected by means of la suitable gland or packing B8.

Means are also included for preventing rotation of the rotatable head I4 while the cleaner element I@ is being moved to and from its inserted cleaning position. This means advantageously comprises a at 'l0 on one of the parts of the means for rotating the head I4, as a collar 'I2 keyed to the shaft 53, and a rail 'I5 extending along and parallel to the path of travel of the carriage I2. The rail 'I5 has a depressed portion 'I6 adjacent its end nearest the furnace wall, corresponding to the position of the carriage I2 at which. the cleaner element I0 has been inserted to its cleaning position. The fiat 'I0 is so arranged as to make contact with the rail 'i5 during the movement of the carriage to and from the inserted cleaning position of the cleaner element I0, and to move out of contact with the rail 'I5 when it (the fiat) reaches a position over the depressed portion T6, in which position the collar having the iiat 'i3 thereon is free to turn, and with it the shaft 53 and parts connected therewith including the rotatable head I2 carrying the cleaner element ID.

Means are also included for so controlling the movements and position of the cleaner element I3 and its operating means that an initial and This means advancontrol element 8i) is conveniently made as an i virregular casting provided' with any' suitable means for mounting and fastening itin place, it being. Iadvantageously fastened to `the track 'I6, as indicated by numerals 82, .83. This means further comprises valatch-.piece 85 capable of turning on a pin 8,6 projecting from the control element 86, and having a slot 88 through which the pin y86 passes `and which permits a limited sliding movement of the latch piece 85 parallel to the face olf .the control .element SI1. The latch piecealso has a projection 89 which coacts 'with a stop 9| on the control element 80. The

controlelement has another stop 93 vthereon which coacts` with the heel81 of the latch piece The latch piece 85 is also provided with a toe Q5 and a notch 91 and a face 99 beveled upwardly from .the bottom of the notch, which latter coact with aprojection IUI) carried by the cleaner element. The projection I0!) is conveniently formed on azcollar |02 tted on the cleaner-element Iii, and provided with a set screw H34, Vby means of which the collar may be adjustably positioned and fixed both angularly and longitudinally with relation to the cleaner element Iii and the nozzles thereon. The control elementLSII may also be provided with stops IE6, ID'I, which coa-ct with the projection |100 on the cleaner element `IIlrto limit the rotation of the cleaner element. The control element 86 Amay also advantageously be provided with an overhanging flange lill) having an opening I H opposite the notch 91 inthe latch piece 85 in the position thereof illustrated in Fig. 6, through which opening the projection Iii!) on the cleaner element may pass, and behind which overhanging flange IBS the aforesaid projection It is heldin the longitudinally stopped lposition of the cleaner element I0 when rotated to either side of the opening I'I I.

The latch piece 85 in conjunction with thegzprojection IMI on Vthe cleaner element I0, and Vthe stops SEI and 93 on theecontrol element 8D control the sequence of turning of thecleaner element in 1its blowing or cleaning position in a manner l which will `be described under the caption Operation.

1 .By adjusting the position of the projection IIIII longitudinally of the cleaner element, or the position of the control Velement 80 on the track I6 toward or from the furnace wall, or both, the position of the cleaner element IU and of the nozzle 2D thereon may be preciselyfixed withinthe space within the boiler or furnace with relation to the tubes or other parts to be cleaned by the jets from the nozzle. It is important toprecisely fix the cleaning position of the cleaner element II) and the nozzles thereon so as to reach in themost eifectivemanner 'all parts to` be cleaned by the jets. This is especially important `in cleaning tubes which constitute the so-called water walls or the boiler. p

Means `are also advantageously included for opening and shutting voff `the steam `supply from the pipe to the v cleaner element .III .automat- I ically through the instrumentality of the mechment.

cam II3 occupies the position shown in dotted.

lines, Fig. 4. The modeof operation is f-orthe Valve to'be opened synchronously with the arrival of the carriage I2 Aand of thecleaner tube I0 carried thereby, at the blowing or-cleaning linserted position -of thecleaner element, and this to be effected through the instrumentality of 'the means for inserting the cleaner element. 'The steam supply to the `cleaner element is'also to'be shut off through the instrumentality of the `inserting and retracting means 4at vthe initial operation of the means for retracting `the carriage` I2. The cam II3 is located in the path of travel of the pin 42 which is carried bythe chain i39, and which chain 39 effects the movement of the carriage I2. By the arrangement shown, `the fpin 42 serves two functions, and thuspermits of one 'being used instead of two which could obviously be used were the partssomewhat diiferently positioned transversely ofthe track I6. As shown in the drawings, the limit of travel inwardly of the carriage I2 and of the pin 42 which effects movement of the carriage, coincides with a position'over the stem I I4 of the valve 62. 42 as it approaches the position shown in Fig. 4, picks up the cam I I3 and throws it quickly to the positionshcwn in full lines Figs. 4 and 5, thereby bringing about a quick opening of the Valve 42. Steam `is thus conserved until the cleaner element Ill reaches its cleaning position and is required for blowing on the parts to 'be cleaned. When the cam I I3 is thrown `to its valve opening position the pin 42 enters a crotch I I8 in the cam. When the retraction of the cleaner element III is begun, following the completion of a blowing period, the chain 39 reverses its direction of movement, and the pin 42 in the crotch 'I I8 turns the vcam- I I3 quickly-to a position which allows the valve 62 to close under the action of its closing spring. The first part of the movement of the sprocket chain 39 through the pull of the operator on the chain 32 which passesaround the pul1ey'30 has n0 effect upon the :carriage I2, because the pin"42 is'able tolmove in the ,slotV 45 a sufficient distance tofmove-the carn II31to valveclosing positions before taking up the movement ofthe carriage I2. This cutting-off ofthe steam supply to thecleaner element Il! before actual retraction of the carriage YI2 and of the cleaner element begins is of great advantage in easing the effort which the `attendant must make in retracting the cleaner element. When steam at high pressure is admitted to the cleaner element there is a large force acting on the cleaner element in a direction to oppose its retraction. The cutting off of the steam supply to the cleaner element before the actual retraction of the carriage I 2 begins, asjust described, relieves the attendant vofthe necessity of working against the force of the steam in retracting the element I0,

and he is required to exert no more effort than that required to insertY the cleaner element, which effort is simply that required to overcome the frictional resistance of the parts of its move- The inserted position of the cleaner element The pin Ill being adjustable to a limited extent through the means previously described (the adjustment being effected through the control element 80 and the collar |02) it is desirable to correspondingly time the opening and closing of the valve 62 to coincide with the close approach of the cleaner element to its cleaning position. To this end the arm 44 which is attached to the carriage I2 (Figs. l to 4) is adjustable on said carriage I 2 in thedirection of the line of travel of saidrcarriage. To this end the arm 44 may be slotted,'as indicated by numeral |20; a screw passing lthrough the slot |20 provides for fastening the arm 44 to the carriage in different positions of adjustment. As the control element 80 acts to stop the cleaner element at an increased distance of insertion (toward the left Fig. 4) the arm 44 is moved correspondingly in the same direction. Adjustments of the position of the arm 44 enables the user to time the opening and closing of the valve to the best advantage with relation to the inserted cleaning position of the cleaner element as determined by the control element 80. The slot 45, together with the adjustability of said arm 44 also enables the cam ||3 to operate to cut ofi" the steam supply in advance of the arrival of the pin 42 at the end of the slot 45 where the retraction of the carriage |2 is actually begun.

Operation with particular reference to Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive Assuming the soot blower to be in its retracted position, shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, and shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3 of the drawings, the attendant pulls on one of the falls of the pullchain 32 (the left-hand one in the particular construction illustrated) appropriate to inserting the cleaner element I into the space within the boiler or furnace, The rotation of the pulley 30 causes the top ilight of the sprocket chain 39 to :nove toward the leit. At this time the valve 62 controlling the supply of steam to the cleaner clement I0 through the valve 62 and the gooseneck 65 is shut. For a short distance, or until the pin 42 attached to the chain 39 takes up the slack in moving from the right-hand to the lefthand end of the slot 45 in the arm 44, the carriage i2 is not advanced. When the pin 42 reaches the left-hand end of slot 45, the movement of the carriage to the left, and the insertion of the cleaner element, begins, and the insertion continues until the stop |00 associated with the carriage I2 abuts the control element 80. During the insertion of the cleaner element i0, the cleaner element and the nozzles thereon are maintained in a predetermined angular position through the engagement of the flat on the shaft 53 with the rail 15. The angular position of the cleaner during the insertion insures the clearance of the nozzles between closely spaced tubes, and also insures the start of the L blowing being made always from the same desired and predetermined angular position of the nozzles. When the carriage closely approaches the control element BQ the ilat 10 passes over the depressed portion 'I6 of the rail, and in this position the rotatable head I4 mounted in the carriage I2, which carries the cleaner element I0, is free to be turned. Also, as the carriage I2 closely approaches the control element 80 the pin 42 makes contact wtih the valve cam I I3, and quickly throws it from the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4 to the position shown in iull lines in the same gure, and also in Fig. 5, thereby quickly opening the valve 62 and ad- -mitting steam from the supply pipe 60 to the gooseneck extension 66 telescoping within the cleaner element I0, and remaining lapped or telescoped at the fully inserted position of the cleaner element I0, as illustrated in Fig. 4. A gland 68 maintains a steam-tight connection between the cleaner element I0 and the gooseneck extension 66 during the telescoping movement and also during the rotation of the cleaner element I0 about to be described.

Also, as the carriage I2 closely approaches the inserted blowing position of the cleaner element l0, the projection |00 associated therewith enters the opening in the overhanging iiange |09 on the control element 80, contacts with the beveled face 99 vonthe latch piece 85, and lifts the latch piece on its pivot 86, as best illustrated in Figs. 4, 6 and 7. As previously stated the at 10 is at this time over the depression 16 of the rail 15, and the projection |00 on the carriage being inwardly beyond the overhanging ange |09 on the control element 80, the cleaner element I0 is now free to be turned, and steam having been admitted to the cleaner element about this same lime, the parts of the soot blower are in position for the manipulation of the cleaner element I0 to sweep the inside parts of the boiler with jets of steam to remove soot. In the position just described, the direction and sequence oi rotation of the cleaner element I0 is controlled by the latch-piece 85. The cleaner element cannot be turned to the right in Fig. 5, because the projection |00 is within the notch 91 in the latchpiece and the projection 89 on the latch-piece abuts the stop 9| on the control element 80. When the attendant pulls on the chain 5| to rotate the cleaner element I0, he must pull on the fall (operating through the worm 51 and gear 59) which will turn the cleaner element |0 in a left-hand or counterclockwise direction, Fig. 6. The cleaner element l0 can now turn, because the projection 89 can be moved away from the stop 9 I, the projection |00 and the notch at the lower portion of the latch-piece 85, which move in diverging arcs, allowing the projection |00 to move out of the notch 91 as the latchpiece swings to the left. Continued pull on the appropriate fall of the chain 5| will produce a rotation of the cleaner element I0 through as many angular degrees as desired to approximately 360. In .the embodiment shown, however, two stops |06, |51 are provided which limit the angle of rotation of the cleaner element I0 to 180, 90 on each side of the position shown in Fig. 6. The pulling of the chain 5| continues the rotation of the cleaner element I0 until the projection |00 meets the stop |06. When this occurs the attendant grasps the opposite fall of the chain 5| and pulls on this. This rotates the l:leaner element in a clockwise direction, the projection |00 moving away from the stop |06. As the projection |06 approaches the latch 85 it contacts the heel 31 of the latch. The latch 85 having dropped down on its pin 86 after the projection |00 left the notch 91 on the previous counterclockwise rotation of the cleaner element, the projection 69 on the latch-piece 85 is in a position to clear the stop 9| Consequently when the projection |00 strikes the heel 81 of the latch 85, the latch is free to swing to the right and to allow the projection |00 to pass in a clockwise direction,.as illustrated in full lines in Fig. 8, and in dotted lines in Fig. 6. 'Ihe rotation of the cleaner element can continue until further clockwise rotation is prevented by Contact between the projection. and stop |01; The cleaner element cannot.- be retracted in this position, or in any position other than that in which the projection |00; isi opposite the opening I'I I, because the said projection |00 isv overhung. by the flange `|"00cn thercontrol element 00; Consequently the attendant is compelled to reverse the direction of. rotation of the cleanerl element, This he does by grasping the fall. of the chain I which he rst used, and a` counterclockwise direction of rotation is imparted to the cleaner element I0. This latter counterclockwise direction of rotation continues until the projection |00 strikes theV nose 95 of the latch 85'. After this contact the counterclockwise direction of' rotation is con'- tinued until the heel 81 of the latch-piece strikes the stop 93- on the control element 80. At this time the nose 05 limits the counterclockwise rotation of the cleaner element and the projection |00 associated therewith at a position in front of the opening III in the overhanging :lange |09. Then the carriage I2 and the cleaner element I0 are iny a position to be retracted. The angular position of thecleaner element when retraction is begun. is the same as it was when insertion ended, and the flat '|0 is thereby in position to ride onto and over the rail '|5, these latter .parts maintaining theposition of the cleaner element I0 and its operating mechanism after the projection |00 leaves its position behind the overhanging flange |09; As the projection |00 leaves the opening ||I the latch-piece 85 swings to the position where the notch 91 therein is in line with the opening III, and theI latch-piece is down on. its

pin 86, in position for functioning' as hereofore described on. a repetition of the insertion and cleaning use of the cleaner element I0. The retraction of the carriage I2 and ofthe cleaner element I0 carried thereby is effected by the attendant pulling on the appropriate fall of the chain 32 (thel righthand fall in the embodiment. illustrated in Fig. l). The initial rotation of the Vpull in the direction to retract the carriage I2 does not act on the carriage, because the pin 42 has a slack movement as it runs from the left-hand end of the slot 45 in arm 44 to the right-hand end. During this movement of the pin 4-2 from the left-hand end to the right-hand endof the slot 45, the important effect of shutting off the supply of steam to the cleaner ele-` ment l'iseiected. Upon the-completion of the rotationof the cleaner element I0, as has previously been described, the carriage I2y sprocket chain 39, pin 42 thereon, thel valve cam II3, and the valve are in the positions illustrated in full lines Figs. 4 and 5. The pin 42 is in the crotch H3 in the valve-cam- II3. As the pulley 30 is turned tc retract the carriage I2 during the rst part cf this retracting movement, while the projection |00 is moving away from the control element tti-through the opening III, and while the pin t2 is moving idly in the slot l5 in the arm fit, the valve-cam I I3 is thrown quickly to valveclosing position. The valve-closing position is illustrated in dotted lines Fig. 4. The result of the closing of the valve` 62 in this manner is to shut off the supply of steam to the cleaner element i0 prier to any effort being exerted by the attendantin retracting the carriage I2 and the cleaner element I0 carried thereby. The resistence to the retraction of the carriage i2 due to the action of steam under pressure in the cleaner eiement I0 is thus avoided. The actual retraction of the carriage l2 is only begun when the pin 42 reaches the right-hand end of the slot 4.51 inarm M, and, as previously stated, after the valve-cam ||3 has been thrown to valve-closing. position. Continued' pull of the attendant on the chain 32 effects the retraction of the carriage |'2r with slight exertion on his part from the inserted blowing position of the cleaner element |0 to its iully retracted position, which fully retracted position is illustrated inlig. 1'.

` As previously` described the cleaner element `I0 and the nozzles thereon may beprecisely located longitudinally at their inserted' blowing position by adjustment of the-control element 80 toward. or from. the boiler wall, or by` similar movement `ci the collar |02 whichcarriestheprojection |00.

lfor by adjustments 0f both). By. such precise positioning of the cleaner element I0 and its nozzief ornozzles, important results in obtaining maximum cleaning efliciency'` areobtained. They slot in the carriagearm 44 enables .the car-y riage arm to. be adjusted in relation to the adjustments ofthe control element 8.0.' and projection` |00, so as to maintain the desired timing ofthe admission and shutting-etici steam tothe cleaner element I0 with relation tc the close ap-v proach to ,and` departure romthe inserted blowing position. ci the cleaner element. I0. and of the carriage I2 which carries the latter. Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9 to 16 inclusive, and Fig.. 20, which em.- bodi'es the mechanical and.. iunctional principles. of theV embodiment of Figs. l to 8 inclusive ldescribed in the preceding part of the speciiication, corresponding reference numerals will `be `used for correspondingy parts. 1 v

Numeral I0 designates the cleaner element, |24 the carriage, and |11. a rotatable head mounted on the carriage and attached. to the. outer or right-hand end of the. cleaner element I0, asbest. shown in Fig. 13. The carriage l2 moves back and iorth on .a track. i6 to insert the cleaner element into and retract it from the space within the boiler or furnace containingthe partsto beA cleaned. The track I6 is conveniently in the form of a pair o f channel beams, asshown, and the carriage I2 may be supported and guided therein bya set of Iiangedv rollers I'I. The cleaner elementI is providedwith one or morenozzles for directingy jets of steam on to the parts tol be cleaned, a plurality `of nozzles ,20,being`- here shown. i v f Numeral 22 designates an opening inthe Miura nace wall through which the cleaner element is inserted and retractedand the space between. the cleaner element I0 andthe sleeve may be closed by an annulus 21. A hinged lidY |30 may be pro,- vided for completely covering, the opening 22 in that form of the embodiment where. the cleaning element is entirely retracted or withdrawn from the boiler or furnace. vThe soot blower is attached to the boiler or furnace adjacent the opens ing 22V in any suitable manner. As here shown, it may bevattached by means of a. bracket 24 of built-up structural steel shapes bolted or Other-` a sprocket chain 39, and near the opposite end of the track there is mounted in any suitable manner, another sprocket Wheel 40 around which the sprocket chain 39 also runs, so that the chain 39 has a flight parallel to the track I 6. The carriage I2 is operatively connected to the carriage moving means by means of a pin or pins on the sprocket chain 39 coacting with a part on the carriage in such manner that lost motion between the sprocket chain and the carriage is provided in certain parts of the movement of the sprocket chain. As here shown, the sprocket Chain 39 is provided with a pair of spaced pins 42, 42a which make contact with opposite sides of a part 44 of 1 the carriage, the pins 42, 42a being spaced apart a greater distance than the width of the part 44.

Means are provided for rotating the rotatable head I4 and the cleaner element I0 xed thereto, by which the cleaner element |0, when inserted into the space within the boiler, may be turned so that the jets which issue from the nozzle on the cleaner element may be caused to appropriately play on the parts to be cleaned. This means may comprise a pulley 50 having thereon a suitable pull chain or the like, 5|.

In the present embodiment the pulley 50 is not carried by the carriage, as in the first described embodiment, but has a splined connection therewith through a squared shaft or the like. The pulley may be located adjacent either end of the track I6, as illustrated in full lines and in dotted lines Fig. 10. The carriage has a pinion I 42 having a hub |44 mounted on the carriage and having a splined connection with the squared shaft |40, in such manner that the pinion |42 moves with the carriage I2, and is rotatable through the squared shaft |40 in predetermined longitudinal positions of the carriage I2. The rotatable head I4 has a gear |48 thereon and has a driving connection with the pinion |42, the driving connection, as here shown, being through reducing gears |50 and |5|.

Steam is supplied to the cleaner element |0 from a supply pipe 60 through a valve 62 and a gooseneck 65 having an extension 66 which extends within the cleaner element I 0 so as to telescope therewith, and remain lapped or telescoped with the element in its position of farthest insertion within the boiler. A steam-tight connection between the extension 66 and the rotatable head I4 is effected by means of a suitable gland or packing 68.

Means are also included for preventing rotation of the rotatable head I4 while the cleaner element I0 is being moved to and from its inserted cleaning position. In the present embodiment the control means is contrived to effect control at a plurality of inserted cleaning positions.

This means advantageously comprises a rail 'I5 which, in the present embodiment, is one of the anges on the channel bar which functions as the track I6, and a part |60 associated with the means for rotating the cleaner element l0 in its inserted blowing positions. The said part ll) may have the form of a disc fastened to the rotary head I4. The disc |60 has a notch |6I into which the rail 15 extends, which parts coact to prevent rotation of the rotary head, and thereby of the cleaner element l0, in the retracted position of the cleaner element, and in other positions of the head which do not coincide with one or another of the inserted blowing positions of the element l0. At each of the inserted blowing positions of the cleaner element I0, the rail is provided with a notch |63 which, when the disc |60 is opposite the notch |63, allows the rotatable head I4 to which it is connected, to rotate in a controlled manner soon to be described. As shown in the drawings, there are three inserted blowing positions of the cleaner element I0, best shown in Figs. 10 and 11, and designated by the letters A, B and C. For each of these inserted blowing positions there is a control element 80.

Means are also included for so controlling the movement and position of the cleaner element I0 and its operating means that an initial and predetermined angular position of the nozzles is maintained during the insertion and retraction of the cleaner element, and also that the nozzles have a .regular and predetermined arc of movement whereby the jets from the nozzles during the rotation of the cleaner element I0 start from and stop at positions which are predetermined so as always to sweep the desired parts on the inside of the boiler or furnace. This means comprises a control element 60 one of which is provided for each of the inserted blowing positions of the element I0, there being three of these designated by the letters A, B and C, in the embodiment illustrated, as previously stated. The control elements are pivoted on pins |65, which are conveniently in the form of bolts which pass through holes in the track I6, and by suitably positioning these holes with reference to the location -of the cleaner element I0 within the boiler, precise positioning of the cleaner elements with relation to the boiler parts to be cleaned, may be obtained. The control element 80 has an arm |67 which normally stands in the path of a projecticn |00 carried by the rotary head I4. In the construction illustrated the projection |00 is formed on the disk |60 which is attached to the said rotatable head I 4. The rotation of the rotary head I4 and of the cleaner element I0 carried thereby, the direction of rotation and angular sweep, and the starting and ending position of the cleaner element I0 and of the nozzles thereon in their arc of movement, are controlled by the coaction of projection |00 on disk |60 with a projection I'I on the arm |61 of control element B0, and a stop III on the track I6 which coacts with the arm |67 of control-element 80. This manner of coaction will be described subsequently under the caption Operation Means are also advantageously included for opening and shutting off the steam supply from the pipe 60 to the cleaner element I0 automatically through the instrumentality of the mechanism employed for inserting and retracting the cleaner element. The construction in the present embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment, and comprises a cam H3 mounted over the stem |I4 of the valve 62, the valve being similar to that illustrated and described with reference to Fig. 5. As previously described, the cam |I3 may act on the stem ||4 through an arm or lever 'I I6. The cam |3 is mounted loosely on a pin or shaft |15. The cam also has thereon a ringer I'Il through which it is operated in a manner to be immediately described. Normally the valve 62 is closed, in which position the cam I |3 occupies the position shown in full lines Fig. 9, with the linger ITI thereon projecting toward the left in said figure. The mode of operation is for the valve 62 to be opened synchronously with the arrival of the carriage |2 and of the cleaner element I0 carried thereby at the blowing or cleaning position of the cleaner element, or, where there are a plurality of blowing posias. in. the present embodiment, at the` rst blowing position, this `to be. eifected through. the instrumentality ofl the means. for inserting the cleaner element. The steam supply of the. cleaner element` I is also to.- be shut off through the instrumentality of' the inserting and retracting means at the initialnoperation of thev means for. retracting the carriage I2, which shutting-olf would be done at the last4 blowing position in this embodiment having a plurality of blowing positions. The sprocket chain 3'9iwhi'ch is driven from the pulley 301, and Which is operatively connected to the carriage I2, carries a valve `opening pin- I80 and al Valve closing'pin IBI, vbest shown in Figs. 9- and I0. The finger I11 on theva1ve` cam I I3 is l-ocated in the path of travel of these pins |80, ISI. The pin |f80'- is so located onth'e sprocket chain 30, that it makes contact with the finger. |1 asY the carriage t2 closely ap preaches the rst control-element 80 at the first cleaning position indicated by reference letter A.. As the operator continues to pull on the pu-llchain 32 from this position of close approach of the carriage I2 to the first control-element 80*y the pin |80 on. chain 3-9-throws the valvecam IIC'` over to the position sho-Wn in full lines in Fig. 16I and by thetime thel projection |00 on the carriage meets the-arm |61 of the-,first control-element S0, Valve B2 has been opened, steam supplied to the cleaner element I0 thro-ugh the gooseneck 0.5 and extension 60, and thepin |80' has passed beyond the cam-finger |11 as shown Fig. 16. The description wil-l continue with particular reference to the valve operation; after which the description will return to the operations which occur after the valve has been shown in Figf. 9, that is, in contact with the arm 44 and in position to transmit the motion offthesprocket chain 39 to the carriage I2. With the steam thus shut off, the retraction of the cleaner element is. completed by the attendant pulling Von the proper fall of the pull-chain 32 to retract the cleaner, the exertion of the attendant. in retracting. the cleaner element being simply that required to overcome the friction of the parts, the attendant being relieved of the efiort which Would be required to retract the carriage against the resistance produced by the action of the steam in and flowing from the cleaner element I0. The pins |80, IBI may be placed: at suitable locations on the chain. 39,. and their locations thereon may be changed, to correlate the opening and shutting of the Valve 62 to the close approach to the appropriate cont-rol elementsr which determine the inserted blowing 1 positions. of the cleaner element I0 at which the valve isto belopened and shut.

At eachV of the inserted blowing positions of the cleanerelement I0 (as for example at each of the positions A, B, C of Fig. 11) thedisk |60 which in. conjunction with. the rail'15 prevents rotation of the rotatable head I4, except when thecarriage I2 and the cleaner element I0 car ried thereby are in blowing position, in. each of these blowing positions is free to be rotated by reason oi the notches |53' in the rail 15 being opposite the `control elements lt0. When the carriage I 2 is in a blowing position A, B orC; and the projection |100 associated with the carriage is in contactI with. onel of the control elements Bil, the attendant pulls on the proper fall of' the'chain 5I to rotate the rotary head I4.

opened and the carriage I2 has: been stopped l it slightly to the position shown in dotted lines and designated I11a, which depressed position `allowed the pin |80- to pass on, after which the cam-piece IIi`Il righted itself restoring the finger |111 to the position shown in full' lines Fig. 1'6.

Just prior to the carriage I2 reaching the last blowing position C, Fig. 11, and just before the projection |80 associated with the carriage I2 meets the last control-element 80", the p-i-n IBI passes over the finger |11, depressing it to the position shown in dotted lines I11a, the valvecam H3 righting itself and restoringthe finger to the full line position, Fig. 161. l With the pin IIlIi on sprocket chain 3-9 slightly beyondY the ringer Ill (in about the position of the pin |80 on Fig. 16 of the drawings), when the operator pulls on the pull-chain 32f in adireetion to retract the carriage, thepin I81I on thesprocket chain is immediately brought. against the linger |11 of valve-cam IIS, and a slightI addi-tional p movement of the chain 39 servesl to quickly throw the finger |11 to the fullline position illustrated in Figs. 9 and l0, and the dotted line position indicated by the numera1 I'llb-'Fig 16, thus producing a shutting on of thas-team supply to the cleaner element I0. During this shutting action ofv the retracting means on the Valve- 62 there has been a loss of motion between the retracting means and the carriage I2 by reason of the spacing of the pins 42 and42a with reference to the part 44. After the valve has been shut as just described', the pin 42 has moved from the position shown in Fig. 13to the position The direction of rotation is determined by the control? means constituted by the projection |00, control. element 00, projection |10 and stop |1I. The angular position to and from which the rotatable head moves is also controlled by these same parts, and said position is preserved during retraction by the action of the rail 15 and the notched: disk |50, heretofore referred to. The angular width of the projection |00 together with that of notch ISI determines the arc of rotation of the rotatable head I4 and of 'the cleaner element I'0 carried thereby. When, in the embodiment illustrated, the attendant pulls on the pull-chain 51', he can only begin to pull in one direction, viz., in a counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow on Figs. 14 and l5.` By pulling onthe properA fall of the chain 5I, the operator can continue to rotate Athe head`- I4 until the projection |00 strikesthe top of projection |10 on control element 80. This causes the control element to4 swing on its pivot and the arm` I51 thereon to be brought against stop If'II. Thereafter the turning of the rotary head in a counterclockwise direction will be prevented. Thehead I4 and the cleaner element I0 arenow stopped in their angular starting position, which Operation with particular reference to Figs. `.9' to 16' inclusive Assuming the soot blower to be in its retracted position, shownzin Figs. 9-and 10 of? the draw` ings, the attendant pullson one of the falls. of the pull-chain. 3.2 (the left-hand one in the. particular construction illustrated).` appropriate. to

part 44 of the carriage, the cleaner-tube-inserting-movement of the carriage I2 is taken up and continued as the attendant continues to rotate the pulley 30 until the projection |00 associated with the head I4 makes contact with the control element 80'at blowing position A, Fig. 1l. Just previous however to the projection meeting the control element 80, the pin |80 on sprocket chain 39 has made contact with the finger |11 on Valve-cam ||3, and in the short approach of the carriage-projection |00 to the control element 80 the pin |80 on the chain 39 throws the arm |11 from the position shown in full lines Fig. 9 to the position shown in full lines Fig. 16,

thereby effecting a quick opening of the valve 62 through the action of the valve-cam I I3. The attendant then proceeds to rotate the cleaner element, which rotation, during insertion, and until the disk |60 on the rotatable head I4 reaches a position opposite the notch |63 in the rail 15, is prevented by the projection of the rail 15 into the notch |6| of the said disk |60. With the projection |00 associated with the head I4 against the first control element 80, the attendant pulls on the fall of pull-chain I which yields to his pull, and which is appropriate to the control of the direction of rotation of the head I4 eiected by the mechanism in the illustrated embodiment. By pulling on the appropriate fall of chain 5I, the attendant produces rotation of the head I4 and of the cleaner element I0 (through the square shaft |40, pinion |42 and gears |50, I5! and |48) in a counterclockwise direction, and this counterclockwise rotation is continued until the projection |00 associated with the head makes contact with the projection on the arm |61 of control-element 80 and said arm makes contact with the xed stop I1I. Thereafter a pull on chain |5| can no longer produce counterclockwise rotation of the cleaner element I0. In

this stopped position the cleaner element has been returned to the same angular position as that at which rotation thereof to effect cleaning was started, the angle of rotation with the illustrated embodiment being 360.

The attendant is now ready to advance the cleaning element to its second blowing position. He thereupon grasps the pull-chain 32 and pulls on the fall thereof to turn the pulley in a direction to advance the head and the carriage I2 to the blowing position B, Fig. 11. The carriage is capable of advancing at this time because the projection |00 associated with the head has contacted with the projection |19 of the controlelement 80 and depressed the arm |61 out of the path of said projection |00.

When the projection |00 associated with the head I4 makes contact with the second controlelement 80 (position B, Fig. 11) the carriage I2 and the cleaner element I0 carried thereby is stopped in the second blowing position, and the operator pulls on the appropriate fall of chain 5| to rotate the head I4 and the cleaner element I0, the direction of rotation and the stopping of the rotation being elected in a manner similar to lil the operation described with reference to the parts in the rst blowing position.

The attendant then proceeds to advance the carriage I2 to bring the cleaner I0 to the third and last of the illustrated blowing positions (position C, Fig. 11). As the carriage I2 closely approaches the control-element at this position C, the pin ISI on the sprocket chain 39 makes contact with the cam-finger |11 and during the interval of close approach passes beyond said camnger |11, the said iinger during the passage of the pin |8| depressing slightly to the position indicated in dotted lines |11a, Fig. 16 and then returning to the position shown in full lines in said figure. When the projection |00 associated with the head I4 meets the third and last control-element 80, the attendant grasps the appropriate fall of pull-chain 50 and rotates the cleaner element I0, the direction of rotation, and the stopping point of the element I0 in its aro of rotation being controlled by the projection |00, control-element 80, projection |10 and stop |1I, the operation of these and the other related parts being as previously described.

The attendant after completing the cleaning at the third blowing position (position C), then proceeds to retract the cleaner element I0 so as to withdraw it from the interior of the boiler or furnace. He then proceeds to do so by pulling on the fall of the pull-chain 32 which will produce clockwise rotation of the pulley 30 in the embodiment illustrated. The rst thing which occurs is that the pin IBI lying at this time just beyond the cam-finger |11, makes contact with said cam-finger and by a short movement throws the cam-finger |11 and the valve-cam I3 to the position shown in dotted lines |1117, Fig. 16, and in full lines Fig. 9, thereby eiecting a quick shutting of the valve 62. During this travel of the sprocket chain 39 while the valve 62 is being shut, no motion of the carriage I2 is produced, because during this short movement of the chain 39 the pin 42 thereon has been taking up the slack between it and the part 44 of the carriage. When the pin 42 makes contact with the part 44 of the carriage, after the valve has been shut, continued pull on the pull-chain 32 causes the carriage I 2 to be moved in a direction to retract the cleaner element I0, that is, toward the right in Figs. 9 and 10 of the drawings. As the sprocket chain 39 moves in a direction to retract the carriage I2, the pin I8I which acted to throw the valve-cam I|3 to closing position, slightly depresses the cam-finger |11 from the position shown at |1119, Fig. 16 to the position shown in dotted lines at |11c, and, after the pin |8I has passed, the cam-nger |11 is returned to the position shown in dotted lines at I11b. The position |1111, Fig. 16, corresponds to the position shown in full lines Fig. 9. The attendant in retracting the carriage I2 therefore needs to exert only suflicient eiTort to overcome the frictional resistance of the parts, and is relieved of the very considerable force which would be opposed to the retraction if steam under pressure were flowing in the cleaner element and issuing from the nozzles thereon. During the retraction of the carriage I2, the projection |00 associated therewith strikes againstl the rear of the arms |51 on control-elements 80, depressing these arms |61, and thereby allowing the carriage i2 to be retracted without being opposed by the Said control elements 60. The attendant continues to pull on the pull-chain 32 until the cleaner element I0 is fully retracted, that is, either withing position of saidY cleaner-element which per'- mits said rotatable part to turn and said means for rotating said rotatable head-to be turned.

4. A soot-blower of the retractable type. comprisingy a `cleaner-element, a track, a carriage,- movable on said track, vby which said cleaner element is carried, means for moving said carriage on said track to insert the cleaner element in and retract it from an operating position, comprising a connection providing a limited lostmotion between said carriage moving means and the carriage, a Valve. for admitting and shuttingr ofi a supply oi'steam to said cleaner element, and means for opening and shutting said valve comprising av part connected to said carriage moving means and a part at aposition corresponding to an inserted cleaning position oi said cleaner element, said parts being. constructed and arranged to automatically shut said valve through Vthe intermediary of said carriagemoving-means at an inserted cleaning position of said cleaner-element before motion is. taken upbetween said carriage and carriage moving means and 'retraction' ofthe cleanerlelement 5. A soot-blower of the retractable' type comprising a cleaner-element, a track, a carriage movable'on said track, a rotatablehead on said carriage to which saidcleaner-element is attached, means for moving said carriage on said trackto insert the cleaner-element in `and rctract it from an operating position, comprising a connection providing a limited lost-motion between said carriage moving means and theA constructed and arranged `to automaticalliy'shut said valve through the inteimediary oisaid carriage-moving-means at an inserted cleaning position of said cleaner-element before motion is taken up between said carriage and YcarriageV moving means and retraction of the cleaner element begins.` i. 6. A scot-blowerof the retractable type 'comi prising a Vcleaner-element, a track, ai carriage,

movable on said track, means for moving said carriage on said track to insert the -cleanerelement in and retract it from an operating position comprising a connection providing a limited lost motion between said carriage-moving-means and the carriage, a valve'ior admitting and shuttingV off aY supply ofy steam'to" said cleaner-element, and means for openingand shutting'said valvecomprising a part connected to said [carriage-moving-means and a part at a position corresponding to an inserted cleaning position of said cleaner element,l said parts being constructed and arranged to opensaid valve through v the intermediary of said carriage-moving-means at a position corresponding c'losely'to anfinserted cleaning position of 'saidcleaner-element and to automatically shut valve through the 'intermediary of said vcarria'ge-moving-means lWhile Ysaid carriage is at an inserted cleaningV position Vof said cleaner element'and before said carriagernoving-means has completed the lost motion between, it and said carriage and -beginsfthe 11e:v traction of `said carriage and cleaner element.- Y

y7. A soot-blower, of the retractable. type :com-

prising a cleaner-element, a track, a carriage; I movable on said track a rotatable' head on said'A carriagev to which 1said .cleaner element is attached, means forfmoving said jcarriageon vsaid track to insert the '.cleaner-elementfin andre-1. tract it from an operating position comprising a connectionfor providing a limited lost .motion between said carriage-moving-means. and .the f carriage, means for rotatingsaid rotatable head-gf' l means forpreventing rotation of said rotatable head While said cleaner-element is being moved to land from its inserted position, a valve for admitting and-shutting-oi a supply of ,steam to said cleaner-element, and means for opening and shutting said valve comprising apart connected tojsaidcarriage-moving-fmeans and apart at a position corresponding tol an-inserted-cleaning ,moving' means hascompleted Ythe lostfmotion between it and said carriageand begins the retraction Vof said carriage and cleaner-element.

8.l A, soot-,blower of the retractable type, comprising ay cleaner-element, a track, a carriage, movable on said track, a rotatable head on said carriage to which said` cleaner-element is attached, means for, moving said carriage on said track toin'sert the cleanerelement in and retract it from an operating position,- means mounted on said Acarriage for rotating` said rotatable head,

and means `for controlling lthe direction ofv rotation ofsaid .rotatable head.

` 9. vA soot-blower of the retractable `type, comprisingfa,'cleanerrelemenha track, a carriage,

movable on saidrltrack, a rotatable head on said carriage to Whicl'i'said cleaner-elementis Mattached, means for moving said carriage on said track to insert the cleaner-element in andretract `it from anbperatingposition, means mounted on said carriage for'rotatingv said rotatable head,` Ameans. for controlling vthe direction of rotation of said rotatablej-heai'an'd'means 'fori preventing rotation ofi said'. rotatable head while said cleanerljelement' is being moved to andfrom its' Y inserted Y cleaning position.

10.'-A soot-blowerl of thej` retractable 'type comprising a cleaner-element,` a track, a carriage track to insert the cleanerL lelement inl and 'retractit from an operating position comprising a connection for providing -a limited lost'motion between -v said carriage-moving-mea'ns and the carriage, means for rotating said"rotatable head,

means Yfor' vcontrollingV the vdirection of -rotation I of said rotatable head, means for preventing rotation of said rotatable headfwhile said cleanerelement isbein'g moved'to and iromits inserted Ycleaning position, a valve for admitting and shut-` ting off av supplyof steam tozsaid cleaner element, and 'means-for opening and shutting said valve comprising a part connected to said carriage? moving-means anda part at a 'position-V corresponding to an inserted cleaning position of said tosaid gcarriage-moving-meansv comprising Va sprocket chain, and a pin on said chain, which moves as -the carriage moves; and which-moves towardfand-,from saidvalve-cam and contacts Withsaid nger yas `the carriage-closely approaches an inserted, cleaning vposition-ortl'ie cleanerlelement carried thereby, and; duringsaid approach, throwssaidfvalve-cam to Valve *Opening position.` Y Y d 2;i. ,iisoot-bloweraccordingV to claim 6; Where-,

. in said means foropening,aridshutting the valve comprises a valve-cam, having a ,cam;portion for opening and closing the yalve,.saidvalve-`cam Y Y also having a ngerin positiontobe vacte-d1 on by ,said *partA ofv the valve opening A andshuttng means which is connectedtothe carriage-Inov-rv ing-means;l and'saidpartof themeans for opening' and; shutting the valve 'whichwis connected to said carriage-moving-means comprising a sprocket chain, anda pin onsaid chainwhich moves toward' andfromsaidevalve-cam and contacts with said ngergyas AtheY carriage-.closely approaches an' insertedcleaning position of the cleaner element carriedjr by thegcarriage,- and7V duringI saidy approach,-v throws Asaid Avalve-cam to valvefopening position,` said nger-onsaidevalvecam being depressible to enablesaid pin onsaid sprocket chain to pass beyond it and to :resume its :position inthe path-of` the pin v.on the said sprocket-chain.v

I2.2A soot-blower according `toiclai'rnM6,-yvlfiereingland shutting-the -valve which is connected ment, andfmeans ,for opening and-shutting said valve through --the intermediary of said carriagemoving-means, vsaid v,carriage-moving-means comprising a part which `coacts with-said valve opening and shutting'means-at a position of. said carriage corresponding to its first inserted cleaning position, to-'opensaid valve, and having a part, at the last inserted cleaning position of said carriage, which coacts with said valve opening Yand shutting means to shut said valve on the 'initial retraction movement of said carriage movingmeans. v

25. A soot blower accordingto-claim 4, wherein said valveis separated from the carriage and head.` v 3 s 26.-A soot blower vof the retractable type comprising a cleanerfelement, a-stea'mrsupply tube along which said cleaner-element reciprocates,

track, a carriage movableV on said track, means attached to-fsaid carriage `cooperating with saidv track vto prevent said carriage being displaced verticallyr or-laterally, means-for moving said carriage on said track to insert the cleaner-element in and vretract it ,from an operating positionv comprising a vconnection providing a limited "lost Y motion-.- between said carriage-movingmeans and the carriageya valveA for admitting in said means foropening andshutting the-valve n comprises a valve-came, having camz'portionsi'for opening and'closingthe valve, said vvalve-cam also having a ngerby which it may be turned, and wherein said; carriagemovingfmeanso omprisesV a` sprocket c hainzvandgtvvo pinslthereon constructed and arranged during the; courseof the movement. of ,thesprocketchain to contact with-.said valve-cam-iinger, one ofl said-'fp ins being arranged tocontact with said Valve-cam- Y, I nger and throw the valve-cam; to Ivalve .opening position Vas the carriage closely approaches an insertedY cleaning position ofthe cleaner 4element carriedY iby` l the carriage, said3valVe-oam-nger beingldepressible.bylsaid pins toenable them to passV beyond saidnger, said second pin: making oontactwith said valve-cam-i'lnger onthe initial movement-rof said carriage-moving means4` in a direction to retractthe carriage; andthe cleaner elementroarried thereby; and to throw said valveand shutting. oi a supplyof steam tosaid cleaner-element, andfmeans for opening said valve during the forward,reciprocation.v of said cleanerelement and shutting said valve during the taking up of said lost-motion Ibetween said. carriage moving means and' said'carriage',. and-'prior tov the rearward 'reciprocation of said cleaner-ele-y ment comprising.apart-connectedto said carriage-moving-meansy and a part Vin a-position corresponding to an insertedcleaning position of said cleaner-element, saidparts being con-AV v structed andarranged to open saidvalve through the intermediary v of l said means at aA position corresponding closely to an insertedy cleaning n position of Vsaid cleaner-element and to shut said Vvalve through the intermediaryv of said carriage-moVing-means fwhile said carriage is at an inserted cleaning position of {said cleaner-element and before said carriage-moving-means vhas completed the lost mocam-,nger andthe -valvecamzto valve-closing position.Y

23. Afsoot-blowerof theretractablef-typecom;

prising a, cleaner element, a-.track, acarriage, movable on, said track, a rotatable head 4on said carriage Yto which said.- cleaner element is at-A Y tached, means -for moving said carriage on said track-to insertgthe cleaner element in and retract` ity-from. an operating position, means; for.

rotating saidrotat'able head,a plurality 4ofj con-` trol-elements iior stopping and controlling the rotation of said rotary head atl-2. `plurality of v inserted cleaning'positionsof said cleaner element, and means on said control element'coactingwith the part connected with said rotary head;y atan inserted cleaning-*position o f the cleaner element, A

to remove thestop interposed .bygpSaid :control elemente-t0 further progress. of Saidrcarraeefand the parts carried .thereby to another -inward 'cleaningpositionfv 4 Y Y ;24, -A soot-blower according` to claivrne23, therrincluding a vvalveor admitting,` and shutting off a supply of 'steam to said cleanerlf-eletion between it and said carriage yand begins the retraction of saidcarriage and cleaner-elementfr, v 27. A soot' blower of the. retractable type comprising a cleaner element, means for moving said cleaner element to insert itin and retract it from an operatingrposition, a-valve for controlling the flow of steam to said cleaner-element, and means Y Yactuated by said cleaner-element-moving-means for opening and closing ,said valve at an insertedposition of said cleaner element, said cleaner-elernent-moving-means having va' connection therein'providing alimited amount of lostmotion between the said moving means and the cleanerv element on theactuation of said movingV means inthe retracting direction, said cleaner- Y element-moving-means comprising a part which acts onfsaid means .'foropening and closing the valve-ktolcausethe latter vtoclose the valve oni themovement of saidcleaner-element-movingmeans inthe retracting direction during the period of lost-motion between the cleaner element and said moving means, so that steam is out ofi from said cleaner element'lbefore'motion is takenvv upb-y thecleaner element in the direction of its retraction. a v

FREDERICK W.YLINAKKER`.

carriage-moving- 

